College of Human Sciences’ academics.(Front left to right)Dr S Mazibuko and Professor M Lephalala (Back left to right) Professor G du Plessis, Dr MLJ Koenane, Professor K Masemola and Mr D Malan

The College of Human Sciences invited more than 45 Master’s and Doctoral students registered for the research proposal module to attend the workshop in Durban from 24 to 25 April in Durban.  This workshop was well attended by students and staff members from the region.  The academics discussed a variety of topics during their presentations which included an introduction to the process and procedures, what the research proposal is, how to review literature, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, an overview of research design, data collection and analysis, academic accountability and writing for academic purposes.

The first day of the workshop had Radio and TV broadcasting gurus engaging in dialogue with first-third year students studying Public Relations and Communication Science students. “We had people addressing us from the SABC and as students we got a platform to ask questions that we generally don’t know who to ask. The workshop was very informative because as a student some of us are working and we don’t get a chance to attend workshops such as these, I think it was very educational,” said one of the students.

Alwyn Kloppers from SABC Tshwane Provincial General Manager gave a talk on the Role and position of SABC in society. He spoke about how the role and the position of SABC is seen today and what makes it what it is today as a public broadcaster. “There are a number of things that determine the broadcaster, there are guiding principles we need to adhere to, editorial policies as well the SABC audience that we need to cater for,” he said.

COMSA 2013 Executive Members

The students were informed of the SABC objectives and the services it renders to the public. “SABC makes services available in South Africa, acquires broadcasting licenses subject to regulations, it is responsive to audience needs. The output of SABC is to mingle with the society and reach out to the society,” said Kloppers.

Tumelo Mathobela, Comsa’s Head of Print, was interviewed on Unisa Radio, “The whole aim of the workshop is to try to put the message out there, students should come and learn,” he said.

Dimpho Mabula a newsreader and presenter from Tshwane fm presented during the second day of the workshop which focused on Journalism and Public Relations. “I presented how I edit my news; source my news and news reading in general. The students were interactive, interested and actually shocked to find out what goes behind sourcing news,” she expressed.

Alpheus Vina Maphosa the Corporate Communications Manager for Kaizer Chiefs was also present and shared inspirational words to aspiring Public relations and Communication Science student attendees. “Whatever you do, whatever you speak, your conduct will determine your future and where you will end up one day,” he advised.

Students can join Comsa Facebook by liking their page. Comsa has also introduced their new blog where they publish articles that are relevant to Communication Science and Public Relations students.

By Busi Mabaso

Prof Tennyson Mgutshini. Manager: Learner supposrt and tuition

The College of Human Sciences Community Engagement office has, for the last few months, assumed total responsibility for the oversight of all of the College’s registered Community Engagement projects.

The office serves as the College’s formal support for all project leaders and prospective project leaders and offers training, support, guidance and in most cases, financial support to projects within the college.

Their involvement is at all stages of the project development process from conceptualization, through to implementation and continuous evaluation. Critically, the office ensures that all proposed initiatives adhere to institutional  principles of Equality, Mutuality, Generosity an  Reciprocity in all aspects of our work with communities and Within this, there is intentional acknowledgement that community engagement partnerships should be based on the basis of parity between the University and communities in informing, shaping and delivering meaningful change. We have an exciting year ahead of us and have planned a number of workshops to support project leaders.

These include three ethical community engagement practice and skills development workshops to be presented best practice with respect to ethical practice within CE. These skills development workshops will focus on the ethical considerations and provisions related to working with vulnerable populations. The workshops will also support the use of accepted global best practice to promote ethical practice by academics in their CE engagements. 

In addition, two scholarship and teaching in community engagement workshops, targeted at all CHS academics will be

Eugenia Ndhundhuma: Community Engagemnet Coordinator

presented by the College of Human Sciences Engagement Office periodically.  These workshops aim to build academic capacity and advance Research & Innovation and Teaching and Learning through Community Engagement. The workshops will focus primarily on supporting academics and project leaders with the development of project plans that support research and teaching innovation.

The College is proud to announce that its flagship project, the annual Language Festival, will take place on 5 September 2013 in the Northern Cape where once again educators and high school learners from the region will through an informative programme of music, dance, poetry and workshops celebrate the diversity of languages in our country.  During September, the Community Engagement Office led by Prof Tennyson Mgutshini and supported by Eugenia Ndhundhuma, will showcase and exhibit all 44 registered projects and outreach events.  This showcasing will include all active and envisaged projects in the College. Aim is to invite and encourage other academics to join these projects.

Unisa Radio, brain child of Prof Danie du Plessis from the Department of Communication Science, began in 2008 when it was known as ‘Unisa FM 98.9’ together with COMSA students. It was re-branded to ‘Unisa Radio’ in April 2012 becoming what it is now known as – an online audio streaming based radio station to cater for students living outside South Africa. Unisa Radio’s mission is to become the African voice, as it is a campus community radio station operated by students for students of the University of South Africa.

Being a dynamic and vibrant radio station, Unisa Radio has grown and is home to an energetic bunch of eight staff members and over 50 volunteering students. With a management structure, consisting of Station Manager Francois van Heerden, Deputy Station Manger Talifhani Munzhedzi, and Head of News Kgaugelo Pule, the station has employed four Unisa students to help with the operational needs and 12 months working experience. These students are Edgar Rathelele, who was one of the student co-founders of Unisa Radio, he is currently the Unisa Radio Media Liaison Officer. Masego ‘Chresh’ Tlhakanye, final year student of a National Diploma in IT, is the Social Media Promoter. Masenya Fisha, a third year Multimedia student, is the Technical Production assistant and Jennifer Mulder, a Bcom Law student, is the Production Assistant.

Unisa Radio’s strong point is that it is a training platform for students who want to be in the media and broadcasting sector. Munzhedzi and Pule mainly train a team of over 30 students on producing content and news. The team goes under rigorous training processes to produce quality productions. With the newly acquired Radio Computer Software (RCS) is going to further enhance training. The software, consisting of GSelector4, Music Scheduling Reinvented, NexGen Digital, Linker, promo scheduling, is used by thousands of radio stations, TV music channels, cable companies, satellite radio networks and internet stations worldwide.

The news team are trained by Kgaugelo Pule to use the RCS news software to prepare news for the hourly bulletin, the team also creates five minute mini-documentaries, also known as packages, which are played weekly.  Van Heerden, expresses his excitement about the development of the station. “Knowing how to use the programme will give Unisa Radio volunteers the edge when applying for jobs in the broadcast industry. It will most certainly, along with our interesting and engaging talk programmes, give Unisa Radio a huge advantage over all other campus radio stations,” he said. Currently, Unisa Radio is the only online audio steaming campus radio station to have with the RCS software, making the volunteering students marketable in the radio industry.

In 2012 Unisa Radio introduced outside broadcasts (OB) where various conferences, seminars and major events at Unisa were broadcasted live worldwide through audio streaming. OBs have covered issues around law, politics, environment, humanities, teacher education as well as captured Unisa’s opening and closing ceremonies. “Our aim is to make sure that we are able to go out there where events are happening to report on the issues that affect students, inform the community and also to market Unisa Radio as the station of choice amongst the Unisa community,” said Munzhedzi.

Unisa Radio has accomplished a lot since its inception in 2008, producing a string of household names in South African television, radio and print journalism. Amongst many we spoke to Gaone Dixon, who was the Sales and Marketing Manager for Unisa Radio back in 2009. “It was a really a fun to be at Unisa Radio. I managed to grow my skills in terms of brand development, marketing, public relations and promotions.” Currently Dixon is a Communications Officer at the International Organization for Migration. He states that the knowledge he acquired during his time at Unisa Radio contributed to his success today. Listen to him talk about the station

Mulder who recently joined the station shares her experience: “My journey with Unisa Radio began in 2012 as an anxious yet excited Junior Newsreader. I remember the very first time I had to compile a complete news bulletin and read it live on air- I was a nervous wreck! But with time the invaluable support of a dedicated management team, an amazing group of volunteer staff and lots of hard work, I am proud to be a part of the Unisa Radio family. The knowledge I have gained and the bonds I have formed from this experience are things I will treasure for the rest of my life. So in the words of a fellow Unisa Radio staff member… dankie Unisa!”

Happy birthday Unisa Radio, here’s to many more years of bridging the divide between students and the university, between theory and practice, being the African voice and shaping futures!

Listen to Unisa radio go to http://radio.unisa.ac.za/live choose the preferred player and follow the tweets on twitter and check out the discussions on facebook.

Hyperlinks twitter – www.twitter.com/unisaradio     facebook-www.facebook.com/Unisaradio

Since the Executive Dean of the CHS, Prof Rosemary Moeketsi, regards 2013 as the year of recognizing excellence and awarding achievement Prof Lindiwe Zungu from the Department of Health Studies and  Dr Puleng Segalo from the Department of Psychology are both recognized in the college. Both Prof Zungu and Dr Segalo are prominent black women researchers in the CHS worthy of recognition of innovators in their respective fields. Prof Lindiwe Zungu is the outgoing Chair of the Ethics Review Committee of the CHS. She has served in that capacity for 3 years. The new Chair is Dr Kealeboga Koenane.

Prof Zungu was nominated for the category Contributions to Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) by an Individual including the Lifetime Achiever Award, the TW Kambule NRF-NSTF Award for Research and its Outputs, and the Management and Related Activities Award. Dr Segalo was nominated for the TW Kambule NRF-NSTF Award for an Emerging Researcher, also in the category Contributions to SET by an Individual.

Dr Segalo’s research highlights how visual imagery can be used as an alternative way of understanding notions of suffering and trauma. She explained, “In 2008 I started the journey of looking at how women engage in freeing themselves from the shackles of patriarchy. My Master’s thesis was situated within an embroidery collective, documenting the shifts in economic, familial and personal roles that the women take up as workers, members of the collective, and designers of embroidered bags that travel the world.”

She emphasised that the idea behind her research was to contribute to knowledge creation in theoretical, methodological and analytical ways. As part of her research she also examined South Africa’s national project of truth and reconciliation. Her study highlights the importance of taking privilege, race, gender, power and history into consideration when examining issues of empowerment and social justice.

Dr Segalo is involved in the UPCOMING CONFERENCE and the CHS will be supporting this

The next step will be to announce the finalists through the Awards eNewsletter by the end of April 2013. The announcement of the winners will take place at the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner planned for 27 June 2013 with the Minister of Science and Technology, the Patron of the Awards.

By Busi Mabaso

Prof Gundani, Prof Moeketsi, Prof Barker, Prof Malala and Prof Milton

Technology has been described as one of the core functions to ensure that open distance learning (ODL) is a success. With Unisa positioned as the premier distance learning university on the African continent, bridging the gap between students and the institution through online tools is of paramount importance.

The College of Human Sciences (CHS) hosted its Africa Speaks lecture on 6 March 2013. Prof Malala was invited to discuss the topic Developments in Computer Support Collaborative Learning (CSCL) Environments for Improvement Learning Achievements in an ODL Context.

The lecture series was initiated by Prof Rosemary Moeketsi, Executive Dean in the College of Human Sciences, in 2008 to improve research capacity and enhance critical discourse. Prof Malala, who is a professor of new media technologies and radio television at the University of Central Florida (UCF), was keen to discuss the strides his institution had made in integrating technology into their curriculum. He discussed the merits of a learning management system (LMS) that is used as a virtual classroom for teaching, learning and assessment. “An LMS is important because it assists in ODL and is necessary to promote education; however, it is not the magic bullet to suddenly make students more intelligent,” he said.

Prof Malala pointed out that his university had created new avenues in ODL by using multiple approaches to ensure success in distance learning. UCF currently offers 30% of its courses online, with 85% of students enrolled in at least one of these. He says they have noticed an interesting trend with students. “The number one device students use to log into LMS programmes are their mobile devices and, because of this, we have ensured that access is a priority,” he said.

Apart from students, faculty members are offered incentives to take lessons in online teaching, which Prof Malala believes increases their capacity for discussion and knowledge. “Students have built a culture with social media and the internet and this has played a huge role in learning. Because courses and content are available online, students engage in discussions using Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Peer review between students is also an aspect that is encouraged,” Prof Malala said.

While LMS and technological innovations play a significant part in ODL implementation, Prof Malala laments the fact that a huge paradox currently exists within the learning process among students. “From a young age we teach children to compete against each other and to not share information or ideas. Learners are not allowed to collaborate in examinations, tests, puzzles and so on. Collaboration is not taught early in life,” said Prof Malala. He believes this pervasive attitude does not bode well for higher education in the future as more and more students seek to attend tertiary institutions. “When we no longer have brick-and-wall schools, we recommend integration, which is something foreign to them,” he said.

Prof Malala acknowledges that while LMS is a step in the right direction to remedy this problem, there is no specific formula to increase student participation and learning in an ODL and collaborative learning environment. However, he says that research and the right combination of elements can remove hurdles that impede student performance. “Universities need to be at the forefront of technology related to learning and I believe Unisa is at the right place at the right time to achieve this. But remember that great teachers educate great students, not technology,” he said.

By Rajiv Kamal

Prof Mandla Makhanya shaking Prof Elbie van den Berg’s hand and Prof Rita Mare

Prof Elbie van den Berg, Chairperson of the Higher Degrees Committee, received an award for Excellence in Tuition . These awards are subject to stringent criteria and all nominations are evaluated internally and externally. The awards recognise excellent tuition efforts within the university, focusing not only on study packages but on the entire teaching process and practice.

Prof van den Berg teaches philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, School of Arts. She was very excited to receive the award and stated, “I feel very proud to be a recipient of the Excellence in Tuition Award. I was chosen for the award because the Critical Reasoning module that I developed over many years is considered as an example of commitment to excellence in tuition. I also wish to acknowledge the encouragement I received from Prof Andrew Phillips, Director of the School of Humanities.”She added, “Teaching at an ODL institution such as Unisa, with a regard of learner’s life-worlds and broader community networks, is of vital importance in developing curricula and innovative learner support. The Excellence in Tuition Award encourages lecturers to strive for excellence in tuition and service to our students,” she said.

She encourages young and junior lecturers to develop modules based on the principles of excellence in tuition. “It is a great honour to receive the Excellence in Tuition Award and worth every hour spent on compiling a voluminous portfolio,” said Prof van der Berg.

Thulile Shandu, David Proctor, and Vivian Hlatshwayo from the English Studies Department were the proud recipients of the award for their ENG 1504 module.

By Kgaugelo Pule

The Unisa delegation in Mumbai India

A group of 16 delegates from Unisa consisting of young academics, students and management recently visited the University of Mumbai from 6–8 February 2013.

Department of Psychology lecturer Precious Sipuka represented the College of Human Sciences in the delegation. The purpose of the visit was to explore research collaborations on common areas of interest, to continue the academic and cultural exchange programme and to facilitate collaboration on student governance and leadership.

In the true spirit of Gandhi, the Unisa delegates were welcomed with open arms.  The Unisa staff and students, who stayed at the Mumbai University Guest Hotel during their visit, enjoyed great hospitality from the University of Mumbai. They also visited other institutions affiliated with Mumbai University where they explored research opportunities and had eye-opening experiences.

“What amazed me was the strong link between the university and the industry. Industry employers act as guest lecturers and they contribute towards the curriculum development of the courses. What is taught is up-to-date straight from the industry. The students are then placed as interns and permanent employees. The linking of education and employment was a central element,” said Sipuka.

The Unisa group visited the Law Department, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies Extramural Department, the Department of Psychology, the African Studies and Nanotechnology Department, the Mumbai Education Trust, Welingkar and the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies. They also had the privilege of visiting the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, which aims to promote equity and excellence in science and mathematics education from primary school to undergraduate college level, and encourages the growth of scientific literacy.  Although curricula and teaching is the core business of these institutes, they ensure that the intellectual as well as spiritual and psychological needs of students are taken care of.

The most fundamental lesson learnt from the visit to the University of Mumbai is the value of universities that have strong working relationships with high profile industry leaders, providing training for graduates and equipping them to be more marketable.

The delegation said that the trip to India was a once in a lifetime experience that enriched their view of life in general, but specifically with regard to the role, function and responsibility of a university. They stated that they learnt a lot and made new friends and collaborative partners. Now they look forward to increased collaborations (research and projects) and exchanges with the University of Mumbai and the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education.

Listen to Precious Sipuka speak about the trip.

By Kgaugelo Pule

Prof Assim Alpaslan

The College of Human Sciences is proud to announce the winner of the Chairperson Awards for Excellence for 2012 which took place at the Theo van Wijk building, Muckleneuk campus on 6 February 2013.

Prof Assim Alpaslan from the Department of Social Work was a winner in the category Excellent Overall Job Performance.

“I am humbled by the honour bestowed upon me by awarding me with a Chairperson of Council Award for Excellence in the category of Excellent Overall Job Performance. This gesture reminds me of the fact that excellence, when acknowledged and appreciated, is the added bonus to an already received award in the form of labour. In performing my duties I constantly endeavour to render a service to my most valued customers, the students, in the spirit of learning and knowing that the greatest things in this world can be achieved when one encounters challenges, can adopt and adapt to circumstances and then systemise and organise one’s outputs accordingly, ” said Prof Alpaslan.

Unisa staff who received Unisa Awards of Excellence

Among the honourable guests in attendance was former Minister of Public Works Thokozile Didiza, who currently serves as Project Consultant for the Archie Mafeje Research Institute at Unisa. Chairperson of Council and Excellence at Unisa, Dr Matthew Phosa, was also present. He gave the keynote address and handed out the awards together with Prof Mandla Makhanya, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa. “We must all be witnesses to ethics and integrity. I have walked a long walk with this university and it has a special place in my heart. I believe in Unisa, I believe in us all. I have a vested interest to see that Unisa becomes the premier higher education institution. We need to invest in ethics, integrity and some corporate governance,” said Dr Phosa.

“Clearly we need to improve our efficiencies, but while efficient service delivery is in itself an institutional goal, we should never forget that its attainment is ultimately intended to drive and ensure quality and excellence in our core business, teaching and learning, research and innovation and community engagement. Colleagues, we need to bear in mind that everything we do at Unisa is aimed at providing our students with the best possible learning experience and ensuring that they graduate from our institution with the knowledge and competencies that will facilitate their success in a very dynamic national and global environment,” said Prof Makhanya.

By Mercy Bvuma

In no particular order they are:

1. Dr W Bentley Y2 (Research Institute for Theology and Religion)
2. Prof E Bornman C2 (Communication Science)
3. Prof JS Dreyer B3 (Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology)
4. Prof M Masenya C2 (Biblical and Ancient Studies)
5. Dr J Murray Y2 (English Studies)
6. Prof OB Onyancha C2 (Information Science)
7. Prof RS Viljoen C2 (History)
8. Prof S Ndlovu C3 (Development Studies)
9. Prof GF Snyman C2 (Biblical and Ancient Studies)

 Drum Beat spoke to two of the researchers to hear what they had to say about their achievements.

Dr Wessel Bentley, Chief Researcher at the Research Institute for Theology and Religion and an ordained Methodist minister, said, “The rating came a bit unexpected, seeing that I am fairly new to fulltime academia. I count it a tremendous privilege to have been awarded a rating and know that this will create many possibilities for expanding my research programme.”

Dr Bentley has been at Unisa since January 2012. He is married and has two sons, yet still makes time to explore the relationship between the church, the state and society as well as the discourse on science and religion. “I think it is an important field of study. Even though we live in a growing secular world, the importance of spirituality and belief systems is increasingly recognised by leaders in management-, political- and the social sciences,” he said.

Dr Bentley wants his research to find grassroots expression and to be beneficial to the community. “Much of what I do in my community involvement concerns listening, teaching and building systems that promote community and community well-being, all of which stem from what I am busy researching. For me, it is not just about the research. It is about my passion, what I believe in. In turn, these convictions lead to new areas of research.”

Another 2013 NRF rated researcher is Prof Jessica Murray from the English Department whose areas of specialisation are feminist theory, queer theory and Southern African literature. She was thrilled when she heard the news after going through the rigorous application process.  

“The process itself was very rewarding and the rating feels like an extra bonus. I’m very grateful for the support I received from the college, the Research Office and especially Prof Alan Weinberg. The NRF is committed to building research capacity in South Africa, and I am very pleased that they recognised the value of feminist research by giving me the rating,” said Prof Murray.

As a feminist literary scholar Prof Murray will continue to explore how textual representations shed light on the on-going vulnerability of women in our society as a necessary step towards imagining a different type of society.

 The NRF is mandated to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge, in order to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of all people for the benefit of both present and future generations of South Africans. For the next five years the CHS researchers will hold their ratings.

By Kgaugelo Pule